Watercress grown and sold as part of the Alresford Watercress Festival in 2026

Alresford Watercress Festival

Nr Winchester, 17th May 2026

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

2026 is packed with exciting moments. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary with a fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and seafronts  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore. In Winchester one of the year’s most anticipated highlights is the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a spectacular new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors with inspiring new displays, making it a must‑visit for culture‑seekers. Whilst at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk brings vibrant mid‑ to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 151

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Cowes Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Cowes

    Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026to24 May 2026Open 17:00 - 23:00
  2. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  4. Van Gogh Alive

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.

    One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Jan 2026to22 Mar 2026
  5. Let's Glow! Basingstoke

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Basingstoke

    Let's Glow is back for 2026 ! A free town centre-wide light trail this February half term in Basingstoke.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Feb 2026to21 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 21:00
  6. Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

    Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026
  7. Meet the Conservation team onboard Victory Live: The Big Repair

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Portsmouth

    This event is a great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project.

    During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about their roles and how it benefits this…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    18 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    20 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  8. Simply BMW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.

    BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Drop-in Caulking workshop onboard Victory Live: The Big Repair

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Portsmouth

    Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.

    Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  10. Feb Fest at Thorness Bay

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Cowes

    As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to20 Feb 2026
  11. Newport Main Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026
  12. Mini Cooper Register National Mini Day

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.

    Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.

    National Mini Day…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Whiteley, Fareham

    Make your Sundays better with
    KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
    With on paying adult
    A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.

    To book…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2025to6 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 21:00
  14. Simply Jaguar

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.

    All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Curious About Portsmouth

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Hard, Portsmouth

    Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  16. Cowes Week

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Cowes

    Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026
  17. Heritage Open Day Docks Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 18:00
  18. Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

    Type

    Type:

    Cinema

    London Road, Whitchurch

    Head along for a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 17:00 - 20:00
  19. Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.

    Carnival route …

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026
  20. Simply Land Rover

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.

    All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00